Archive for December, 2009

Try Bosch Coffee Makers   no comments

Posted at 10:55 pm in Home Appliances

If you’re looking for the perfect new accessory to your kitchen and want to enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee in the mornings, the Bosch coffeemakers is definitely a smart buy for you. Bosch is a reputable company that manufactures quality coffeemakers and espresso machines that will compliment any kitchen, and the prices are affordable.

Coffeemakers from Bosch are modern and attractive, and are automatic, so you don’t have to do any work-the machine does it all for you. Coffeemakers include features like the AromaSwirl System, to give your coffee a gourmet taste that is easy to achieve at home, a built-in grinder, so you can buy coffee beans instead of instant coffee to use in your Bosch machine, and a coffee bean storage hopper that allows the machine to make up to 30 cups of coffee before it needs to be refilled. The B20 model of Bosch’s automatic coffee machines is also a good buy and is ideal for smaller kitchens, and can make up to 20 cups of coffee before needing to be refilled.

You can make several different coffee drinks with your Bosch, including espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and gourmet or flavored coffees, and the automatic coffeemaker will definitely come in handy when you’re entertaining guests and want to prepare coffee for a morning business meeting, or for an after-dessert treat. These machines are restaurant quality, so your friends and family will be impressed to find such an upscale coffeemaker in your kitchen. And, the sleek black and sliver design of the coffeemakers make them a great addition to any kitchen décor.

In addition to more traditional coffeemakers, Bosch, a trusted name in coffeemakers, also offers espresso machines. The Bosch Barino Pump Espresso machine can help you make coffee house-style espressos, and has a quality brewing system and stainless steel boiler. This way, your espressos will always be at the perfect temperature and expertly blended. The machine is also easy to use, so even though you’re making gourmet-grade coffee, you won’t have to spend a lot of time figuring out how to work your espresso machine. The espresso machine is available in a sleek black design, which contrasts well with the stainless steel boiler. You can use the espresso machine in your kitchen no matter how you’ve decorated, and you can even carry the machine to the office to enjoy an espresso during the day, or share espresso with colleagues during meetings.

Bosch offers some of the best coffeemakers you’ll find on the market today, and the machines last considerably long. There are warming surfaces for your espresso cups so you can keep your drink warm for hours, and any gourmet style coffee or pods will work well the Bosch machine.

Bosch coffeemakers and espresso machines can be found at The Gourmet Kitchen, http://www.gourmet.org where you’ll find product descriptions for each of these Bosch items, as well as photos, so it will be easier for you to picture a Bosch coffeemaker in your kitchen.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 13th, 2009

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Basic Blenders For The Family   no comments

Posted at 10:51 pm in Home Appliances

Back to Basics, which started selling canning and food storage products in 1971, has not only grown over the years but has also maintained the idea that kitchen products should focus on the premise of “back to things that work.” In an age of such advanced technology, Back to Basics is committed to keeping things simple for its customers, whether they are professionals on the go or families with a focus on nutritional health. For Back to Basics, it’s about family, food and fun. This promise is delivered throughout its product line, from popcorn makers to smoothie makers and blenders.

Blender Express

As more and more people are turning to healthy lifestyles, even in this fast-paced world, a good blender is now a necessity in the kitchen.

Designed specifically for the person on the go, the new Blender Express from Back to Basics is perfect for nutrition on demand. Most of us don’t have the time to sit and enjoy our blended breakfast or snack in the morning, whether we’re headed to work, school or to the gym. This combined with other morning responsibilities usually leaves us seeking other, often unhealthy, alternatives for breakfast – like fast food.

Not with the Blender Express. Targeting professionals and families on the run, this two-speed blender features a 350-watt motor, a pulse dial and an attached mug that fits your car’s cup holder. Not only that, but the detachable travel mug has a flip-up lid so you don’t spill the contents all over your newly washed clothes. Available in three colors – White, Brushed Chrome, and Blue – the Blender Express is a must-have for those pressed for time but adamant about health.

Blender Solution

Calling all health nuts: The Blender Solution 5000 from Back to Basics is the appliance for you. Dump that old blender and invest in this revolutionary three-in-one appliance that chops, blends and makes delicious smoothies. This sleek innovation is a must-have for the kitchen, specifically targeted to health enthusiasts, home chefs and those who enjoy in-home entertaining.

This handy appliance is a necessity for avid smoothie lovers, too. No more hand-chopping those fruits and vegetables. Let the Blender Solution chop your ingredients using the blender’s base. Then add the smoothie maker attachment (an interchangeable blade base with separate stir stick) to make delicious smoothies for the entire family, or just for yourself. This blender will become a favorite item in your kitchen.

The Blender Solution features a 500-watt motor with 700-watt pulse power, a dishwasher-safe 48-ounce glass goblet atop a stainless steel base and cord storage.

Get rid of that old blender. In today’s world of healthy lifestyles combined with high tech gadgets, the Blender Solution 5000 is the “it” blender for your kitchen.

But don’t just stop at blenders and smoothie makers; the entire line of Back to Basics products, plus many other fine kitchenwares, can be found throughout the Gourmet Kitchen. Click here, to browse our full selection of Back to Basics products.

The Gourmet Kitchen (gourmet.org) has everything a gourmet chef could want. Cooking products include bakeware, glassware, cookware, clay bakers, thermos containers, kitchen tools, utensils, and appliances.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 12th, 2009

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Storm Windows For Hurricanes   1 comment

Posted at 10:47 pm in Windows

When it comes to the hurricane windows you will find that they were first developed in Southern Florida in late 1992. They are very effective when it comes to protecting your home from the high winds and the flying debris. You will want to install them now or you can wait and install these types of windows as a home improvement project. You should consider these windows when it comes to areas that are prone for such storms. You will want and need this type of high quality window.

As for the benefits of a hurricane window, you will find that there are a lot of protecting with these windows. You will find that you are going to have to have these windows if you are prone for large storms. Keep in mind, that most homes are damaged from the fact that the windows break. Flying debris will end up breaking the window and the high pressure air will then enter the home and blow off the roof, the other windows, and do total damage.

Along with the windows, you will want to think about the shutters. Windows and shutters will end up being the bottom line that will protect your home, however, many people will board up their windows. It is very expensive and time consuming when it comes to these methods of protection. If you were just to get the storm windows, you will be just as protected as if you were boarding up your windows. Keep in mind that they will protect your home to a certain degree; however, you will want to think about the construction of the frames. You may end up finding that the windows that you have are only as good as the installation. The storm may not ruin the windows at all, but the storm may end up ripping the whole window out of the house. Some people can’t deal with the shutters taking them on and off. You possibly may have some limitations to what you can physically do. You will want these windows just so that you don’t end up having to do more than what you are willing to do.

Keep in mind that there other benefit to the storm windows because they do add security to your home. You will want to keep in mind that they are made to withstand a lot of beatings and high pressure. They are extremely hard to break into too. You not only have to worry about the storms hurting your home, but you will also not have to think about robbers and such breaking a window to get in. Many people will purchase these windows for the added security. Many insurance companies will offer you a type of discount when you take the time to install these types of windows.

When it comes to protecting your home from nature you are covered at many different angles. Not only will it help to cover you from the harm of ultraviolet rays. The UV rays of the sun will hurt the integrity of the home It will hurt the carpets, curtains, and furniture. You will also like these windows because they have the material inside of them that will help to keep your home completely safe from nature.

Peter Mason writes normally for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com, a website about interior design , decorating and many different themes. His abstracts on hurricane windows are found on his webpage and various other online publications.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 11th, 2009

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Make Your Home Trendy And Utilitarian By Wooden Blinds   no comments

Posted at 10:45 pm in Windows

Wooden Blinds are wonderful devices that have been available for many years.

If you are planning to purchase a new home or renovating the present one, you can choose Wooden Blinds for the utility that they provide as also their decorative nature. Today, homeowners are using Wooden Blinds as dressing for windows which provides a unique look to many different styles of decorating. Materials and designs available can add a unique look to many types of home décor.

Previously, Wooden Blinds were available only in two varieties: White and Aluminum. Due to this reason, these Blinds had a limited style but this is not the case today. Now you will find that manufacturers offer a number of features that will attract them to the customer thanks to their wonderful selection of colors as well as decorative properties. It can beautify a room while providing a versatile covering. The blinds available currently come in a wide array of colors that can add accents and interest to any room. Wooden Blinds that are available in the stores come in standard sizes that will fit most windows. Those people who have windows that are not the normal size will be able to order these blinds to exactly fit their windows.

Pick-on your own Wooden Blinds

They cover windows or doors depending on the needs of each decorator. These blinds are constructed so they can be changed with the pull of a chord. Those who want the windows covered completely can pull the chord on their Wooden Blinds to achieve their goal. When the same person wants to uncover the windows for the view or sunshine, the chord is pulled once again to achieve this goal. The slats can be attuned accordingly. Vigilant regards must be kept in mind before you go for a particular Wooden Blind.

Temperature Optimizer

Wooden Blinds effectively controls the amount of sunlight entering in to the room. If you want some intense sunlight in the room will pull the chord for an appropriate position in the Wooden Blinds. Those people who would like to exclude the sunshine from entering the room can pull the chord again to set a position that will block the sunshine. Hence, these Blinds maintain an optimum temperature in your room. Using them can also provide subdued lighting into a room to create a unique look while providing privacy.

Wooden Blinds can add to the decorating of the room to match the rest of the décor of the residence. Available in various colors with designs embossed on the wood, they can meet the decorating needs of the owner.

Dry and Quick Cleaning

If you want your wood blinds to last longer, avoid the use of soap and water to clean them. Get a soft cloth, and then rub it on the surface of the wood. This could take a bit more time but this could save your blinds from decay. If you are using liquid polish, do not spray it directly on the wood. The lesser amount of moisture that gets into your wood blinds the better. Your home will be all the better when you choose to have Wooden Blinds given the ease with which they can be cleaned as well as being simple to manage.

You can also find more info on window blinds and porch blinds. Windowblindsreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Windows Blinds.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 10th, 2009

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Security Shutters   no comments

Posted at 10:43 pm in Windows

How do security shutters keep your home safe? Part of owning a home is keeping it safe from unwanted intruders, whether you are home or on a vacation. Your windows are among the first things noticed both by potential buyer and thieves. They are the focal point of your home, and depending on what kind of window treatment they have, can announce to outsiders how accessible the home is. One of the most reliable methods to prevent and discourage robberies is to install security shutters.

Sometimes, the stereotype of security shutters may be a picture of ugly, squeaky shutters that are stiff and hard to maneuver. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Security shutters are made to neatly fit into their neighboring blade, providing a tight seal, and a smooth, sleek look. Exterior shutters can be attached to move on a side or top hinge, or can quietly, glide across two parallel metal tracks. You can slide exterior security shutters with the tips of your fingers into place or use a remote control.

How can security shutters help if you travel often or want to take an extended vacation? Manufacturers have available control timers. The timers can be easily programmed to open and close your security shutters every day, throughout the day, or different times. If there is someone with mobility difficulties, this convenience can help them freely change the window exposure, day or night. Furthermore, your home has the appearance of being occupied which makes the potential thief want to pick out another target.

One popular security shutter is exterior accordion shutters. These are designed with vertical rows of nested blades held tightly by fasteners in several places. Accordion shutters roll along two parallel tracks to the other side. You can also get a keyed locking system to use in and outside of your home. Additionally, manufacturers offer remote controls to maneuver your shutters as you stand a short distance away.

Roll-down metal and Bahamas shutters are two other popular styles. These are usually purchased at first to be used as emergency shutters during severe weather. You probably would not use these shutters on a daily basis because they can block all the sunlight from the interior. Roll-down metal shutters and Bahamas shutters do not keep out the heat since their primary function is to be a protective shield.

For example, homeowners use emergency exterior security shutters whenever extreme weather suddenly develops. Modern weather forecasting has shown a regular hurricane season for Gulf Coast and Florida residents using shutters, and can tell them if a hurricane is en route. Even residents from all over the country use security shutters to help protect their homes against the destruction of a tornado or severe hail storm.

Exterior security shutters are made of strong materials such as metal or steel. However, just having their plain, metal appearance, they still will help prevent your windows from shattering from large, flying debris, and harming your family, when the storm hits. The benefits may also include homeowner insurance discounts and increased market value. It’s easy to see why people from all over the country feel safer from home invasion or when a hurricane makes landfall after installing security shutters.

for more information on security shutters and other types of shutters visit my site http://exterior-shutters.info

Written by Philly Decorator on December 9th, 2009

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Types of Storage Solutions   no comments

Posted at 10:28 pm in Garage & Storage

Whether you are a business owner or a domestic property owner at some during your business or residency you will more than likely need extra storage space for your belongings.

Many of us don’t actually realize the amount of belongings that we accumulate whilst we are within our property so when it comes to moving home or having a property renovation or extension we find ourselves overwhelmed with the about of possessions that we have to find a new home for. This is where domestic and business storage solutions come in handy.

Storage solutions can help people with domestic property if they are doing any of the following:

• Student moving out of halls or a house

• Having a main clear out of your home to make way for new furniture

• Having a clear out of a room to turn it into a nursery or guest room

• Moving home

• Relocating abroad

• Re-decorating

• Undergoing a home renovation/extension

These are just a handful of the reasons surrounding why you may need to use the help of a storage solution company. Whatever your domestic storage needs there is help available to accommodate your needs.

As well as providing you with the option of storing your household goods and personal effects, storage solution companies also give you the chance to keep your business on track by providing you with the option of storing your business goods as well. There are a number of reasons as to why you may need to enlist the help of a storage solution company for your business such as:

• If you are expanding your business

• If your business is currently overstocked

• Gives you the space needed to develop your business without the hassle of having nowhere to keep things

• Need to store promotional material or excessive stock

The storage facilities that are on offer to you come in a range of sizes, which include small cupboard like spaces suitable for paperwork through to walk in rooms that, again, range in size, with some of the biggest being around the size of a garage. This means that whatever you need to store you will be able to. The access to these storage facilities are seven days a week, the times that you are allowed to visit often vary with some providing 24 hour access while others are time restricted.

With these storage solution companies you are given peace of mind as you know that your belongings are being looked after; this is because these storage facilities are protected by CCTV, which is continually monitored. Also with most storage facilities each individual storage container/room is fitted with its own personal alarm. The storage facilities also provide you with well lit corridors and fire detection systems.

Many companies will also offer you extra features such as allowing you to purchase packing material such as boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. These are highly important when it comes to storing your items and provides you will the convenience that everything you need is all in one place.

Helen is the web master for Keep Safe Self Storage, specialists in all aspects of Domestic Storage

Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site

Written by Philly Decorator on December 8th, 2009

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Creating More Space With Closet Organizers   no comments

Posted at 10:23 pm in Garage & Storage

Closet organizers are a great way to create more space in your closet. Many homeowners look into their overstuffed closets and wonder what they can do to contain and organize all the stuff that needs to be there. If you are like many homeowners you will decide that purchasing a closet organizer is the most practical way to get a handle on it, this way you don’t need to knock out any walls in your home to expand the closet.

One of the first steps that you need to do when you are getting ready to get into this project is to decide if you are going to be able to accomplish this project on your own or do you need to hire a professional to do the job? Doing it yourself will definitely save you money if you feel like you can take the project from beginning to end. Otherwise you may be better off by hiring someone that specializes in closet organization and letting them do the job for you. Either way that you decide to go there are some things that you will need to keep in mind.

Tackling the Job Yourself

If you have decide to go ahead and do it yourself the most important thing to do is make sure that you lay it out properly. This means making sure that you incorporate all the necessary storage items you need and making sure that the system you are purchasing will actually fit in your closet.

When you begin to lay out your organizer make sure that you get everything in the closet that you need. For example if you have lots of shoes make sure that you leave plenty of storage area to accommodate them. This way your closet will not looked overstuffed even after you install the organizer.

When you do your measuring make sure that you leave extra room so that the organizer will actually fit. Many times a homeowner measures right down to the 16th of an inch and forgets to leave some “play” in the measurement. The reason for this is because walls are never perfectly square. They always run out a bit and if you did not leave room for it you will not get your closet organizer to fit properly.

Hiring a Professional

When hiring a professional it is important to make sure that they actually listen to what you need. Many times a professional will try to “up-sell” you and then you end up with the project costing more then what you anticipated. For example an electric tie racks sounds great but they cost a lot more than just a standard tire rack and they each do the same thing.

Make sure that any professional you let in your home is licensed and insured. This is important as often times “fly-by-night” business spring up and they may look professional but you will later find out that the job will be done by not correctly or you will find that your deposit is long gone.

Whether you do it yourself or you hire a professional make sure that you have carefully laid out your plan. With closet organizers preparation is the key to success.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on a closet organizer at http://www.whereyoucanbuy.com

Written by Philly Decorator on December 7th, 2009

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Renting Self Storage Is The Best Solution   no comments

Posted at 10:19 pm in Garage & Storage

If find yourself in the middle of a project, wishing you had the right tools for the job, you may consider finding a local shop that offers tools for rent. Purchasing tools that you may only use once or twice in your lifetime is much more costly than borrowing tools for rent. For example, if there is a large tree in your yard that needs removed, you have a few options. You could pay a tree service a few thousand dollars to remove the tree. You could gather a few of your close buddies and remove the tree yourself. Or you could just leave the tree there and hope Mother Nature is kind, should the tree ever fall down, and cross your fingers that it does not fall on your house.

Most responsible homeowners would find a way to remove the tree before it threatens their family. Forking up a couple of thousand of dollars for tree removal may not be in everyones budget. If you feel confident in your tree cutting abilities, you may find yourself without the proper tools. That is where tools for rent come in handy. Not only can you find tools for rent, but you could also find the heavy equipment for rent to lift you up into the tree. This is just one example of why finding what you need for rent is better than purchasing.

You can find practically anything for rent. Take storage for example, you are selling your home and the realtor does not like the pictures on the wall, the extra chair in the office, the boxes you have already packed sitting in the garage, the candles over the mantle, etc. The realtor tells you to de-clutter your house.

Despite the fact that you love all the characteristics of those things that make your home cozy, your husband insists that you take the realtors advice. One solution to your storage problem is to buy a storage for rent. This makes perfect sense because you do not want to store those things in a closet or garage of your home and you may not have a friends garage nearby. Finding a space for rent will help you sell your home quickly and make both your husband and the realtor happy – not to mention your friend who would have otherwise been the victim of your realtors opinion.

Here is yet another scenario when thing for rent are a wiser choice than purchasing all you need. The father of the bride may find himself in need of 20 tables, 120 chairs, 1 chocolate fountain, 3 tents, a dance floor, sound equipment, a few doves and a horse-drawn carriage. It would cost a small fortune to purchase those things, and unless you have the local matchmaker marry off all your daughters quickly, you may not need them for a while. And surely, daughter number eight would never want the same wedding as her seven older sisters.

The best solution is to find a party store or wedding planner and ask if such items are available for rent. Now Dad can breathe a little easier and worry about more important things, like who his daughter is marrying.

Lifes milestones bring reason to celebrate and the luxuries that you can rent are more reasonable than buying them. Lifes hectic moments bring stress, and the luxury of renting a storage unit can help alleviate some of that stress. Even the big projects that present itself can be overcome with less cost by choosing to rent tools and equipment rather than purchasing.

And if you are a business person, you may consider investing in a rental business or becoming a self storage owner.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 6th, 2009

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Sky Lights   no comments

Posted at 12:18 am in Roofing

Commercial skylights are great way to not only let the sunshine in, but to reduce energy costs for your company as well. Skylights have been used in homes around the world for many years and are rapidly becoming an integral part of commercial roofing projects as well. While at first glance for many, only desirable for their aesthetic features, the inclusion of roof skylights offers many other benefits. in addition to reducing your need for additional lighting and electricity usage; it provides a natural feeling of spaciousness and a great source of ventilation. Another reason to consider skylights in Australia is because a skylight of relatively small square footage can produce lighting many times its own size, saving you space and time, and maximizing your investment.

When selecting commercial skylights it is important to consider the type of roof you have, the locations of the skylights, the climate and seasonal weather conditions in your region, and the effect that the skylights will have on the overall appearance of your building. When considering the installation of commercial skylights, the best way to ensure that you make a knowledgeable and wise decision for your business, is to first have a consultation with qualified skylight contractors. During this consultation you will be able to narrow down the type of skylights that will serve your building’s needs best, work well with your roof type, and get an estimate on the cost and timeframe for installation. It is also important to work with contractors that are licensed and able to provide you with a respectable portfolio of skylight installation work they have done for other businesses. Working with a qualified company can save you time and unnecessary repairs due to skylight replacement down the road.

Once you choose to install skylights in Sydney you have a large number of options at your disposal. Skylights come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing them to fit any type of roof which is admirable for most business owners, whose roofs are often occupied by large objects such as air conditioning units. Skylights can be installed that are flush with the roof of the building, dome shaped or even custom made in both shape and size, all depending on your needs. Many modern skylights are also designed to minimize solar radiation from ultraviolent rays, are strong-wind and hurricane resistant, and designed to control the movement of water away from both the skylights and the roof of your building.

Mark Andrews is Marketing Manager at Commercial Roofing – specialists in commercial flat roofing Commercial Roofing Australia offer professional skylight installation

Written by Philly Decorator on December 5th, 2009

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The Essentials of Roofing Equipment   no comments

Posted at 12:15 am in Roofing

Because roof installation and repair is best performed in warm weather, having to move the roofing materials around can be even more cumbersome. So roofing equipment has evolved form the simple tape measures, hammers, and roofing nails of yesteryear to some more sophisticated equipment today.

Basic Roofing Equipment
Every certified roofer possesses a small utility blade which will allow him to precisely cut asphalt shingles, but roofers experienced in working with slate, metal, or tile roofing material have specialty cutters as part of their roofing equipment.. Most roofers have also replaced the traditional hammer with a nail gun, which can be run off an electric line, a battery, or an air compressor. But the hammer remains in every professional roofer’s toolbox, to be used for removing any old roofing nails.

A ladder, of course, is one of the foundation pieces of roofing equipment for any roofer, because without it there would be no roofing jobs completed. But the roofing contractor of today often has an electrical lift attached to his ladder to do the work of hoisting those eighty-pound packs of asphalt roofing shingles up to the roof, rather than carrying them up on his shoulders.

Power Roofing Equipment
Those roofers whose roofing equipment does not include an electrical lift must rely on heavily reinforced ladders with the strength to handle the weight of the singles in addition to the weight of the roofer. But for really big roofing jobs, those roofers can rent electrical lifts by he hour, until they have transferred all their shingles to the rooftop.

The best certified roofing contractors will have as part of their roofing equipment air compressors to power their nail guns and whatever other electric tools they need. If they are installing a roof on a new building which has not yet been connected to the electrical grid, these contractors can power their air compressors with the building’s generator. Those air compressors can come in very handy on hot days, when they are used to run small refrigerators and keep plenty of cold beverages on hand!

Safety Roofing Equipment
Every responsible roofing contractor, of course, considers safety to be the number one concern at a job site, and his roofing equipment will reflect that concern. His roofing crew will have safety goggles to use when either rewiring a roof or cutting wood, as well as when using any electrical roofing like a nail gun to attach shingles.

But the most important piece of safety roofing equipment is, without a doubt, the rope and harness, which enables workers to install Roofing materials on a steeply sloped roof. Many a roofer has been saved from severe injury or even death thanks to a harness supporting him above the ground instead of allowing him to crash into it after taking a misstep while working on a roof!

You can also find more info on Roofing Tips. Roofingbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about roof.

Written by Philly Decorator on December 4th, 2009

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